Australia's group at FIFA Confederations Cup 2017

The Caltex Socceroos are set for their fourth appearance at the FIFA Confederations Cup. We break down Australia’s opponents in their group, starting with game one against the world champions.

Game one:

When? 1am AEST, Tuesday June 20

Where? Sochi

Opponent: Germany

FIFA ranking : 3

Coach: Joachim Low

Star players: Leroy Sane, Emre Can, Julian Draxler

Snapshot:

The World Cup holders will provide the sternest of first-up tests for the Caltex Socceroos – even if this is a largely younger squad as they rest some key men.

Jam-packed with technically gifted players who are able to execute Low’s attacking style with fearsome finesse, Die Mannschaft will go into the tournament as slight favourites despite bigger names being rested and keeper Manuel Neuer and attacker Mario Gotze injured.

Star players: Julian Draxler, Emre Can, Leroy Sane, Shkodran Mustafi

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Game two:

When? 1am AEST, Friday June 23

Where? Saint Petersburg

Opponent: Cameroon

FIFA ranking: 32

Coach: Hugo Broos

Star players: Fabrice Ondoa, Benjamin Moukandjo, Christian Bassogog

Snapshot:

The “Indomitable Lions” were the last nation to qualify for Russia 2017, winning the African Cup of Nations earlier this year.

They did so with a largely inexperienced squad which coach Broos has quickly moulded into a cohesive unit.

This game would appear to offer the Caltex Socceroos their best chance of a win in Russia, but it won’t be easy against a side making their third appearance at the Confederations Cup.